Labour Laws Trampled Upon

Working class is passing
through its most testing times in India. Labourers are pushed to the wall like
never before. The heart-rending scenes of migrant labourers making last-ditch
efforts to get back to their homes are enough to melt even the most hardened
hearts. Workers are staring at the toughest time in their life. But, State
governments in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh found it the most
opportune time to suspend several labour laws. And they did it taking the brazen
Ordinance route. Most of the labour laws have been suspended for a period up to
three years. There is no denying that some of the labour laws -- dating back to
the British time -- have to be changed to make the country in tune with the
changing time. However, the time chosen to do it and the way it has been bulldozed
through make one believe that there is more to it than meet the eyes.

Look at some of the
changes brought about by the States. The working time has been increased from 8
hours to 12 hours per day, a move that can break the spine of workers. Trade
unions have termed it a harsh measure with an inhumane face. Another blow to
workers’ rights has been inflicted by suspending the Industrial Disputes Act,
thereby exempting firms from the obligation of sticking to its provisions. It
will give a free hand to employers to hire and fire. When the workers are faced
with an uncertain future in the midst of economic distress, losing jobs at the
whims and fancy of employers will be like a straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Factories Act, which has been amended a few times for tightening the safety
belt of employees, too has been suspended. Viewing it in the wake of the recent
catastrophe at the LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam where a few workers died
and hundreds taken ill, the move can have disastrous consequences affecting the
security of workers. Equally ominous is the suspension of Minimum Wages Act and
many others which can reduce workers to the level of bonded labourers.

The move by the State governments
comes even as the Parliament is seized of Industrial Relations Code which takes
a fresh look at various labour laws in the country. The Standing Committee of
both Houses has given its report and the law-makers have to take a call on it.
As the labour laws fall in the domain of the Centre and the States, it is
improper for a few State governments to move fast and come out with Ordinances
to suit their interests. The State governments, according to reports, moved swiftly
to attract companies that are leaving China. An impression has been created
that if India’s labour laws, which are seen as pro-working class, are not
changed in favour of employers, many foreign companies may not risk to invest
in the country. It is to be seen whether changes in labour laws alone will
attract foreign investors to India.

Real reforms in labour
laws mean protecting workers without adversely affecting the performance of
industries. The spate of suspension of existing laws is nothing but stripping workers
of their safety and protection. A country that looks down on its labour force
won’t be able to board the bullet train to super power.